Punjab Bans Several Items in Schools, Colleges and Universities
Punjab bans several items in schools, colleges and universities. The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has amended its regulations governing food served at educational institutions, banning the sale of carbonated drinks, energy drinks, artificial beverages and several other products in canteens, cafeterias and messes across the province. This complete guide covers the full list of banned items, the new three-tier food classification system, where the rules apply, and how to report violations.
Latest Update (October 2026)
The amended regulations have been published in the Punjab Gazette and apply to schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions across the province. Source: ProPakistani, 13 October 2026
Banned Items – Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Authority | Punjab Food Authority (PFA) |
| Action | Amended food regulations for educational institutions |
| Published In | Punjab Gazette |
| Applies To | Schools, colleges, universities + food businesses within 100-metre radius |
| DG PFA | Mansoor Ahmed |
| Complaint Helpline | 1223 |
Full List of Prohibited Items
- Carbonated drinks: all fizzy soft drinks.
- Energy drinks: all caffeinated energy beverages.
- Artificial beverages: artificially flavoured drinks.
- Chinese salt products: food prepared with monosodium glutamate.
- Cotton candy: coloured sugar candy.
- Gola ganda: shaved-ice treats.
- Ice lollies: frozen ice treats.
- Tobacco: all tobacco products.
- Vapes: e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
New Three-Tier Food Classification System
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | Nutritious, healthier food items – given priority on canteen menus |
| Yellow | Moderate-value items – listed after green-category foods |
| Red | Prohibited products – cannot be sold in canteens, cafeterias or messes |
Where the Rules Apply
- Schools: public and private schools across Punjab.
- Colleges: all colleges in the province.
- Universities: all universities and other educational institutions.
- Canteens, cafeterias and messes: all food outlets inside institutions.
- 100-metre radius: food businesses operating within 100 metres of an educational institution must also comply.
What the PFA Says
PFA officials said the amended regulations aim to improve food standards in educational institutions and ensure students have access to healthier food options. Director General Mansoor Ahmed said the revised framework was prepared to bring food provision in educational institutions in line with international standards, promoting healthier choices and discouraging products with low nutritional value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming only drinks are banned: tobacco, vapes, Chinese-salt snacks, cotton candy and gola ganda are also prohibited.
- Ignoring the 100-metre rule: shops near schools must comply too – the ban does not stop at the gate.
- Not reporting violations: parents can report banned or substandard items on the PFA helpline 1223.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What items are banned in Punjab’s educational institutions?
Carbonated drinks, energy drinks, artificial beverages, Chinese-salt products, cotton candy, gola ganda, ice lollies, tobacco and vapes.
Q: Do the rules apply to shops outside schools?
Yes – food businesses within a 100-metre radius of educational institutions must also comply.
Q: What is the green-yellow-red food classification?
Green = nutritious foods given menu priority; yellow = listed after green; red = prohibited in canteens, cafeterias and messes.
Q: Who announced the new rules?
The Punjab Food Authority; DG Mansoor Ahmed said the framework aligns food provision with international standards.
Q: What happens on violations?
The authority has warned that violations may result in legal action.
Q: How can parents report banned items?
Through the PFA helpline 1223.
Q: Which institutions are covered?
Schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions across Punjab.
Final Thoughts
The PFA’s amended regulations mark a serious step towards healthier campuses across Punjab – from banning energy drinks and vapes to the colour-coded food system in every canteen. Parents and students should know the red list, and the 1223 helpline is there if banned items still appear on shelves.
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